cs_mansion_source (90% completed)

[navyseal2004]

I've been working on this map for a long time and it's finally nearing completion. Here's what's left to be done :

- Optimization
- Ambient Sound
- A bit of interior work
- Surroundings

ETA : Early 2006. (I dare not state a certain month/week/day)

Here are some screenshots :

Comments/criticism is welcome.

 

[$kelet0r]

it looks nice even though the texturing is quite bland

 

[Unarmed]

The mansion looks like it is a bit too cheap to actually be a mansion. The concrete texture makes it look like a building complex and thats all.

I don't belive that the lights in the second picture on the left fit in, they seem to be misplaced, maybe swapping them for something? And maybe adding one or two things to the skybox too.

Other then that, nice work.

 

[navyseal2004]

The mansion looks like it is a bit too cheap to actually be a mansion. The concrete texture makes it look like a building complex and thats all.

I don't belive that the lights in the second picture on the left fit in, they seem to be misplaced, maybe swapping them for something? And maybe adding one or two things to the skybox too.

Other then that, nice work.

I couldn't find any better texture.

About the lights, what are you talking about?

 

[Unarmed]

Hmm..... My bad... the THIRD picture. To your left hanging on the wall. Thos lights remind me of cramped underground areas such as caves, mines, submarines etc etc. I don't think they belong in a mansion. But its your call.

There is something about the windows aswell, although i cant really put my finger on it. Try to make them look more "real" somehow.

 

[navyseal2004]

Hmm..... My bad... the THIRD picture. To your left hanging on the wall. Thos lights remind me of cramped underground areas such as caves, mines, submarines etc etc. I don't think they belong in a mansion. But its your call.

There is something about the windows aswell, although i cant really put my finger on it. Try to make them look more "real" somehow.

Oh THOSE lights. Forgot to remove them. My bad.

If I made them any more real, how would players climb out?
As far as I know, the framed window doesn't allow the player to climb out.

 

[-Psy-]

The mansion needs more architectural detail on it.

 

[WAR_Nuker]

make more random func_details to spruce up the inside and outside to make it less flat. you have windows on the outside and stuff...but that doesnt take away from the fact that its a flat wall. wherever you see a flat surface....just put something on it if you can to make it more decorative and fancy...since thats how mansions are really like. also, since its a mansion, you might wanna use more shiny....fancy textures. you will probably have to use custom textures though since pretty much all of the HL2 textures are depressing and worn down. more complicated and breathtaking architecture wouldnt hurt either. to be honest...right now it looks kind of like a warehouse at first glance as opposed to a mansion.

hope that helps.

 

[-Psy-]

Or you could just use textures from de_chateau

 

[navyseal2004]

Ok, I've decided that I'm going to put a roof. I'll post screenshots of that later.

As for the architectural details, it would help if you could give me specific examples.

 

[WAR_Nuker]

well...hard to describe. your best bet is to go to google and do an image search on 'mansion' and see what kind of neat stuff you find. itl give you ideas on what you can do to spruce up your map.

 

[$kelet0r]

think of how the fresh prince of bel air's mansion looked like - white ionic columns, rounded balconeys, long french windows, large georgian doors

 

[crackhead]

yeah i have to say it looks more liek an apartment block than a mansion. plus the cs:mansion that ive played on was far better. i wouldnt say that was 90% i dont meen to put you down though it is very well made.

 

[Crispy]

This map was never called mansion in Counter-Strike. I always remember it as cs_estate.

In any case, lose the window next to the bath. Architects never put windows next to bathtubs/showers because the sealant around the window frame degrades so quickly from the combined effects of moisture and temperature variation. If the window's gonna be on that side of the room it shouldn't extend down so close to the bath. The other thing is that the size of the window would allow anyone who slipped backwards into it to fall through the window and onto whatever was outside. Glass + slippery surfaces is a bad move. Added to this is that the bin looks seriously out of place. If you are living in a mansion, you're going to either have a nicer looking bin, or have your bin concealed within a unit (like under the sink).

Stylistically it needs less bland window frames, and more architectural features on the exterior. Take a look at games like Deus Ex and Rainbow Six, and films like X-Men (to give you some examples) for ideas on how to make it look more like a mansion.

 

[navyseal2004]

- There are plenty of bathrooms in Singapore with windows...

- Those are good points. However, there aren't many textures (suitable for a mansion) available to work with.

- I'll work on the detail and post screenshots soon. I'll be away for a week or so till the 28th, so more updates will be posted then.

 

[Crispy]

- There are plenty of bathrooms in Singapore with windows...

If it can be helped most bathrooms have windows. You need a good amount of light in the bathroom because it's where you clean and take care of your body. It's more economical to have a natural light source, so yes bathrooms usually have windows. But windows next to the bathtub are rare, and if they're on the same wall they'll usually be away from the end with the taps and the shower head. They'll also be small enough not to pose a safety hazard.

 

[DjBourgeoisie]

this map has been wip for so long it must be some sort of record

 

[-Psy-]

How do you work on a map without using real life references? It's beyond me :|

 

[navyseal2004]

Last update of the week

 

[$kelet0r]

much much better
add some greek style columns to the porch area and make a decent heavy door
oh and find a brighter texture for the house

before

 

[crackhead]

thats lookin alot better

 

[$kelet0r]

actually on 2nd thoughts i'd rather play it assuming you optimise it well (i despise those who release maps that run at a steady 10-20 fps)
just add a cool looking front door and your set
it looks really good now

 

[WAR_Nuker]

holy crap thats a hell of a lot better. add columns for decor though....they would fit so well.

 

[-Psy-]

Ah see. We are a helpful bunch Looks goody!

 

[Crispy]

Vast improvement on the exterior, but I do wonder how the balcony stays up. It's perfectly feasible that it has some super iron rod supports built in to keep it from snapping off, but you might find it looks better with pillar supports. I'd stick some rough ones in just to see if it looks nice and then maybe make them look a bit more fancy if you decide to keep them.

 

[Ren.182]

Thats a HUGE improvment! I love it.
Looking forward to giving this a play

 

[Smokin]

I would say i have been in more bathrooms with windows then bathrooms without them the ratio would be like 98% to 2% most bathrooms have a window and they come in all shapes and sizes. Great map I like your remake of the map looks completly diferent to the orginal map i have played except for the layout but thats a good thing.

 

[navyseal2004]

Vast improvement on the exterior, but I do wonder how the balcony stays up. It's perfectly feasible that it has some super iron rod supports built in to keep it from snapping off, but you might find it looks better with pillar supports. I'd stick some rough ones in just to see if it looks nice and then maybe make them look a bit more fancy if you decide to keep them.

Alright I'm back from my holiday.

I'll get back to the updates soon, just need a breather

I'll try putting some arched columns at the balcony. Updates will be posted in a day or two.

 

[navyseal2004]

I'm afraid there's going to be delay because of the stupid SteamId error. I won't be able to work on the map till Valve fix it. Sorry guys.

 

[Sam]

The point about the bathroom window was the position of the window in the room not its presence. Bathrooms tend to have windows that aren't on a side of the bath (if you understand me) due to the safety issues.

 

[silentbob]

just a comment, i wouldn't release a map without play testing it. I've tested my maps many times just to tweek out all the unfair sniper spots and horrid object blocking etc. With the source engine making playable/walkable maps is a bit more difficult but i dont see too many prop_physics anyways...

Comment: 3rd pic, the rail seems a bit fat. and the rack in the corner.. maybe bookshelf? And dont forget to add the doorbell like in CS

Great work so far! Love to see it play.

 

[BeaverMon]

I think it looks nice.